A folio from a Bhagavata Purana series: Krishna in combat with Rukma, Rukmini's brother

Attributed to the First Generation after Manaku and Nainsukh of Guler, circa 1780-90

Footnotes

Provenance: collection of the late Pearl King (1918-2015).

This painting illustrates an episode from the story of Krishna and Rukmini. Rukmini Harana or the abduction of Rukmini, based on an episode from the Bhagavata Purana, was often treated as a theme in itself with a series of paintings devoted to it. Rukmini was the daughter of Bhishmaka, the king of Vidarbha. Rukma, her brother, had arranged for her to be married against her wishes to Shishupala, the king of Chanderi and his ally. Despairingly, Rukmini sent a message to Krishna who left Dwaraka along with Balarama to rescue her. Krishna arrived at the temple where Rukmini was to be married, lifted her up on his chariot and rode away. Rukma pursued Krishna and Rukmini with an army. Krishna cut down all the weapons Rukma discharged at him. They then fought each other with clubs while Krishna's charioteer and Rukma's attendants look on. This is the scene being depicted in the painting.

The central figure of Krishna in his yellow be-jewelled attire with feathered crown and the oval thigh of his charioteer draw comparison with the same characters in another folio from a Rukmini Harana series by a Chamba artist, Krishna abducts Rukmini from the temple, circa 1780-90 (see Francesca Galloway, 2012, cat.no.7).

For a note on the first generation of artists after Manaku and Nainsukh of Guler, see lot 184.